Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the evolutionary history of life on earth, the interaction between structure and function across all forms of life, and interpret this in the context of their evolutionary history;
2. Discuss and apply core ecological concepts to interpret patterns of biodiversity, species interactions and environmental change;
3. Perform essential laboratory techniques including microscopy, specimen handling, and identification of plant and animal anatomy;
4. Interpret and communicate scientific data, reflect critically on biological knowledge and its relevance to contemporary global challenges;
5. Demonstrate scientific reasoning by applying core concepts across levels of biological organisation;

Other Information

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Biology is an experimental discipline requiring the development of hands-on laboratory skills. It is expected that students will attend all laboratory sessions and submit all associated reports. Where there are extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from attending a lab, missed attendance has to be agreed with the course convener and appropriate supporting documentation submitted through the appropriate channels. There is a minimum lab attendance threshold of 80%. 80% of practical assessments must be submitted and must demonstrate a reasonable attempt to satisfy the requirements of the assignment.

Indicative Assessment

1. Quizzes (10) [LO 1,2,5]
2. Practical assessments  (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
3. Final exam - hurdle requirement to achieve at least 40% on the exam (50) [LO 1,2,5]

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:

• More details added as requested: Face-to face components, which will consist of approximately 36 x 1 hour lectures per semester (e.g. 3 x 1 hour lectures per week) and approximately 24 hours of workshops/labs (e.g. 8 x 3hr sessions throughout the semester).
• Approximately 70 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures through engagement with the on-line textbook and completing practical assessments.

 

Students are expected to actively participate in course activities

Inherent Requirements

In this course, to meet Learning Outcomes 3 and 4, students learn how to interpret sensory observations to make precise laboratory manipulations. This requires students to be able to:

• manipulate experimental equipment with a high degree of precision;
• interpret their own visual observations and tactile sensations; and
• safely participate in the biology laboratories.

Students who can provide evidence they are unable to meet these requirements may be able to negotiate alternative participation and assessment requirements with the course convenor.

Requisite and Incompatibility

You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

Prescribed Texts

Urry, L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V., Reece, J.B. and Jackson, M., 2021. Campbell biology: Australian and New Zealand version. 12th ed. Melbourne: Pearson Australia.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links